CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe insisted he would not be swayed by the opinions of pundits on the subject of Lewis Cook’s continued development at Vitality Stadium.

Gifted midfielder Cook hit the headlines when he played a starring role and captained England to FIFA Under-20 World Cup glory last month.

The 20-year-old became the first England international since Bobby Moore in 1966 to lead the country to success in a global tournament.

His achievements – together with those of his team-mates, most of whom are on the fringe of the senior team at top Premier League clubs – prompted calls for the Young Lions to be given more game time.

Former England international Trevor Sinclair even went as far as to say clubs had a “duty” to allow the new under-20 world champions the opportunity to play and sustain their development.

Cook, a £7million signing from Leeds 12 months ago, made five eye-catching displays for Cherries at the end of last season before linking up with the England squad in South Korea.

His progress during his debut campaign with the club was checked when he suffered an ankle injury while on duty with England under-20s in October, which sidelined him for around three months.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Howe said: “Everybody was delighted for Lewis. The experience he had in the tournament will be invaluable to him and will benefit him throughout his career.

“The fact he is now one of only two men to lift a World Cup for England is great news for him and us. The benefits of leading your country in a major tournament are huge.

“Lewis’s form for us at the end of last season was very strong and I think this will carry on the momentum, hopefully, into next season for him.”

Asked about the views of the pundits – with Danny Mills another ex-England international championing the cause of the Young Lions – Howe replied: “Every player will have his individual story.

“Naturally, everyone would want a talented group of English players to be playing regularly at their respective clubs. But that is easier said than done.

“As everyone knows, the Premier League is the most competitive league in the world and every point is worth so much to every club.

“Every manager will play what he feels is his strongest team and I think it is up to the players to force their way into those teams.

“Lewis certainly did his chances no harm at the end of last season and will be one of several players who will give really good competition for places in our central midfield.”